ATTACK ON FRENCH FORCES IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE, FATAL AIR STRIKES BY NATIONAL ARMED FORCES CONDEMNED BY SECURITY COUNCIL

Attack on French forces in Côte d’Ivoire, fatal air strikes

by national armed forces condemned by Security Council

Presidential Statement Demands End to Military

Action, Full Cooperation With United Nations Group in
Country

The Security Council met this afternoon and condemned the attack against French Forces in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, earlier today (6 November) that resulted in fatalities and other casualties, and also the fatal air strikes in the north of the country by the national armed forces of Côte d’Ivoire, as violations of the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003.

In a statement (S/PRST/2004/42) read out by its President, John Danforth (United States) late this afternoon the Council further condemned any effort by any party to send forces through the Zone of Confidence. It also demanded the immediate cessation of all military operations by all Ivoirian parties and full compliance with the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003.

The Council confirmed that French forces and the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) were authorized to use all necessary means to fully carry out their mandate in accordance with the Council’s resolution 1528 (2004) of 27 February. It also confirmed that UNOCI, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, was authorized to prevent any hostile action, particularly within the Zone of Confidence.

The presidential statement strongly recalled the obligation of all Ivoirian parties, and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the Forces Nouvelle, to refrain from any violence against civilians and to cooperate fully with UNOCI.

The Council firmly reminded all parties of the need to guarantee the security and freedom of movement of all United Nations personnel. The Council would examine further actions, including individual measures to be taken.

The meeting which began at 5:10 p.m. was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/2004/42, reads:

“The Security Council condemns the attack against French forces in Bouaké on 6 November 2004 that resulted in fatalities and other casualties, as well as the fatal air strikes in the north by the national armed forces of Côte d’Ivoire, as violations of the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003.

“The Security Council further condemns any effort by any party to send forces through the Zone of Confidence.

“The Security Council demands the immediate cessation of all military operations by all Ivoirian parties and full compliance with the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003.

“The Security Council expresses its full support for the action undertaken by French forces and the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI).

“The Security Council confirms that French forces and UNOCI are authorized to use all necessary means to carry out fully their mandate in accordance with its resolution 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004. It confirms also that UNOCI, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, is authorized to prevent any hostile action, in particular within the Zone of Confidence.

“The Security Council strongly recalls the obligations of all Ivoirian parties, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire as well as the Forces Nouvelles, to refrain from any violence against civilians and to cooperate fully with the activities of UNOCI. The Security Council firmly reminds all parties of the need to guarantee the security and freedom of movement of all United Nations personnel.

“The Security Council intends to examine rapidly further actions, including individual measures to be taken.”

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.

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